Instituting a drug-testing program in your workplace is the best way to ensure a drug free workplace that is safe for all of your staff. While many companies plan to start a drug-testing program, few know how to go about doing so. By following a few handy tips, you can be well on your way to a drug free workplace.
Make the Policy Clear
The first step in instituting a drug free workplace is to inform everyone of the policy. The policy should be in written form and distributed to each employee in the workplace. Make it clear that all new applicants will have to undergo drug testing as a condition of employment. Be sure to inform all of your staff to avoid being accused of selectively testing. You must test every single employee on your staff when instituting a drug-testing program.
Find a Collection Center or Order Testing Kits
While some companies hire an offsite center to conduct drug testing, others conduct their entire drug testing in-house. There are advantages to both methods. If you choose to use an outside contractor, you will have to contend with a longer wait time to allow your staff to get to make an appointment, get to the collection site and wait for the results. If you conduct the testing on-site, you can simply order the drug testing kits and conduct the testing right in the workplace.
Set Up an Employee Assistance Program
When you start a drug testing program in your workplace, it is inevitable that at least one employee will test positive for an illegal substance. Consider setting up an employee assistance program that will assist your staff with resources to help them kick the habit. It is up to your company’s management to decide what to do when an employee tests positive for drugs. In some cases, access to resources is all the employee needs to “get clean” and have a positive workplace experience. It is worth calculating the cost of either keeping the employee and assisting him or letting him go in favor of a drug free candidate.
Test Randomly
Conduct drug tests randomly so your staff will not be able to “beat the test” by clearing out their systems right before the test. By conducting random drug tests, you will either catch employees in the act or encourage them to discontinue the use of drugs altogether. Test after a major accident to avoid liability issues.
Starting a drug-testing program is the best way to ensure a drug-free workplace.